Thursday November 15th: Lynn, Ryan, Tom and I used the morning to pack up the condo, transitioning our things into each of our vehicles. A little teamwork and quick breakfast wrapped up a well-spent week and had us ready to hit the road. We were both headed to Oakland but had separate plans once we arrived. Tom and I were meeting up with our cousins, Ben and McKenzie and Lynn and Ryan planned to visit their friend’s, Pat and Isabel. As we pulled into Oakland, it was immediately apparent how much more smoke had settled there compared to Yosemite. The unwelcoming appearance and long day in the car had both Tom and I with heavy eyelids. Since Ben had not yet returned from work, we decided to park the truck and take a short cat nap. Feeling rejuvenated, we walked to a nearby park where Tom fiddled on his phone, keeping me company while I did yoga. That night, Ben and McKenzie graciously treated us to their favorite ramen house. Mouthfuls of savory broth and noodles, alongside missed friends made for the perfect evening. After dinner, we followed them to their apartment where we received a tour of their tastefully decorated space. Books, photos and special keepsakes reflect their travels, exposing their experiences and pleasures with those who care to look. Ben made each of us an exceptional cocktail, before we surrendered ourselves to bed.
Tom and I woke up in the camper on Friday morning with the ceiling not far from our faces. We hadn’t popped it up in an effort to sleep inconspicuously on a residential street. Looking like a couple of disheveled drifters, we emerged from our box with breakfast on the brain. After making a quick stop at the grocery store, we went up to Ben and McKenzie’s apartment to utilize the kitchen and start laundry. A short while later, Lynn and Ryan arrived to hang out and play games until leaving for the airport. It wasn’t easy saying goodbye, but knowing that we’d be together at Christmas was comforting. Tom and I had offered to make dinner for Ben and McKenzie, and when they accepted, started making plans to prepare lasagne. With everyone home from work and a few additional guests, we made conversation while loading up on bread and pasta. In celebration of McKenzie’s nearing birthday, close friends gathered for a night on the town, which commenced at a natural wine bar. We each learned about the minimalistic process by which natural wine is produced, while tasting the unusual flavors that result from the lack of interference during fermentation. I very much enjoyed the pungent and often effervescent qualities of both the reds and whites, offering a different wine experience than I am used to. After leaving the wine bar, we stopped at a friend of Ben’s apartment before heading to a dance club. The remainder of the night was spent on the dance floor, releasing all inhibitions and losing ourselves within the deafening base.
We woke up on Saturday morning still spent from the night before. Finally out of bed, we made our way up to Ben and McKenzie’s apartment to find a delicious breakfast already underway. McKenzie had left for a spa day with some friends, but Ben was busy in the kitchen preparing our replenishing fuel. With gaping eyes and watering mouths, we gratefully carried our servings of eggs, hash browns and toast into the living room. As we dug into our meals, each soft boiled egg oozed it’s golden yolk upon the contents of our plates. Nearly licking our plates clean, we sat with content bellies and talked for much of the afternoon. During our conversations we would routinely peer out the window to evaluate the status of the smoke. Finding no improvements, we agreed to a day inside. McKenzie arrived later that evening and hung out for a while before getting ready for her date with Ben. He had made a reservation at an upscale restaurant to celebrate her birthday, so they both fancied up. While they were at dinner, Tom and I walked to the grocery store for a few snacks. We both appreciated having a warm home base, which we used to relax and play games.
Sunday was McKenzie’s birthday, so we encouraged her to choose the day’s activities. We started out the morning getting our butts kicked at one of her frequented exercise classes. Tom and I didn’t know what to expect, but hoped that our muscles were sufficiently conditioned given our recent activity level. It wasn’t long after the class began that our dripping sweat and labored breathing proved otherwise. Although the hour was a continuous infliction of pain, it felt good to move. We followed the class with a hearty breakfast and a few board games. After allowing ourselves enough time to recuperate, the four of us went for a walk around the block to see more of the neighborhood. The air was still hazy, but had lifted significantly from what it had been. That night, McKenzie invited me join her and her friends out to a natural wine bar. The setting was casual and the company was lovely. Not a moment went by when we weren’t either laughing, or joined in genuine conversation. When we returned from our ladies night, Tom and Ben had prepared a complete pasta dinner which we twirled on our forks and happily savored while watching one of their favorite anime films.
Since Ben and McKenzie left for work early Monday morning, we said our goodbyes the night before. With nothing more to do other than pack and shop for groceries, we completed our tasks and hit the road. It was a long drive from Oakland to Las Vegas, but we made it in one trip. Soon after we pulled up to our campsite that night, we were snuggled in bed and fast asleep.
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